ATLANTA — ASHRAE and the Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA) have agreed in principle to join forces, combining resources to improve IAQ in the built environment.
Pending a three- to six-month period of due diligence, IAQA will become a part of the ASHRAE organization while maintaining its own brand and board of directors. IAQA will operate independently within ASHRAE’s organizational structure. Plans call for IAQA headquarters to relocate from Rockville, Maryland, to Atlanta, home of ASHRAE’s international headquarters. The agreement was reached between the leadership of both associations and confirmed at ASHRAE’s 2014 Annual Conference.
“This merger is beneficial to both ASHRAE and IAQA in that it strengthens the programs and services of both organizations,” said Tom Phoenix, ASHRAE president. “The work of IAQA complements the work of ASHRAE in its standards, research, publications, and educational offerings. We now combine our resources to ensure the industry receives the best IAQ technical guidance and educational programs possible, which means improved IAQ for the world around us.”
ASHRAE also recently announced the formation of the Indoor Environmental Quality Global Alliance, which included IAQA as a charter member. ASHRAE also has a strong research program related to IAQ with 10 current projects totaling $2.8 million, representing 23 percent of ASHRAE’s research budget.
“This merger allows IAQA to maintain its own brand while also providing its members with enhanced benefits and services,” said Kent Rawhouser, president, IAQA. “Our strong history of programs and products is expected to not only continue, but to grow as the merger allows us to take advantage of the resources and programs overseen by ASHRAE. Members of IAQA and ASHRAE will work collaboratively to strengthen IAQ programs for the industry and, most importantly, for the people who occupy homes and buildings around the world.”
ASHRAE and IAQA programs will be aligned to create high-impact resources for building professionals around the globe.
“Indoor air quality is vitally important to the health and welfare of people worldwide,” Phoenix said. “Air quality systems must work harmoniously with other systems in homes and buildings to ensure a healthy and sustainable built environment.”
Publication date: 8/4/2014
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